Regulation of Cosmetics in the United States

Cosmetic products have continued to develop and grow in importance as a commodity globally. Cosmetics are no longer viewed as "just makeup" but have expanded to include many more product categories, many of which rely or purport to rely on innovative technologies since cosmetics was added to the FD&C Act in 1938. As the world in general has become "smaller," so, too, is the importance of communication not only within our jurisdiction but also internationally to see where collaboration in research and regulations are needed to develop safer products that can be used by all consumers. Just as cosmetics has grown in types of products and where/how they are marketed, the regulation of cosmetics must keep pace, within the United States and internationally. Because of innovative technologies and new ingredients, such as nanoparticles, cannabidiol, and microbiotics,regulations for cosmetics should be reviewed and updated to meet the changing technology of the twenty-first century.This is a brief glimpse into the world of cosmetics, but the story continues, as the United States considers modernization of the cosmetics regulations. It is unclear what impact this will have on industry and the world at large.